Benoy unveils design for Global Business School in Jeddah

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia), May 9, 2018

Benoy, the global firm of design specialists, has unveiled new details, renderings and images of its latest project, the Global Business School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The new institution is set to operate in collaboration with Imperial College Business school (UK), Harvard Law School and Cornell University (both US) when its opens in 2020.

With its innovative design, the upcoming business school will set a new educational benchmark within Saudi Arabia, attracting students from the kingdom as well as internationally, said a statement from Benoy.

The design philosophy of GBS is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to develop a progressive, knowledge-based economy.

The brief for Benoy, which has in the past delivered award-winning educational buildings for the University of Nottingham in the UK, was to design a new business school for both males and females in Jeddah, which would reflect the client Shababco’s ethos of promoting the youth and education, supported by gender inclusion and knowledge sharing in a creative environment, encouraging social engagement and innovation, said a top official.

"It was Benoy’s creative approach and ability to understand the commercial drivers that were pivotal to Shababco choosing Benoy as a design partner for the state-of-the-art educational institute," remarked Monika Laudencka-Sobik, the director at Benoy.

Spread over an area of 31,336 sq m in total, the Global Business School will provide the core academic, executive education, administrative and faculty facilities over six levels. The larger south wing, will house a gym, sports area, auditorium, knowledge centre and student dining halls, supporting the core academic and executive accommodation.

The north wing, with the smaller footprint and its own distinctive form, will house the innovation centre, faculty offices and teaching accommodation.

Benoy, she stated, has a portfolio of iconic projects in Saudi Arabia and is also the master designer for the Tahlia Street project in Riyadh.

Currently under construction, Tahlia Street is a prominent retail location in the heart of Riyadh, which aims to develop the area’s cultural and commercial offering. The architectural form draws inspiration from Riyadh’s smooth desert sandstone landscapes.

"Benoy’s design for GBS is driven by Shababco’s innovative approach of a business school that embodies the country’s rapidly-evolving image and is the manifestation of the increasingly progressive attitude that Saudi Arabia is embracing and promoting," remarked Dr Makarem Batterjee, the founder and president of GBS.

"Those aspirations and commitment to support the young and highly educated society are reflected in GBS’s architectural philosophy, which goes beyond the ordinary – it is not an ordinary business school, it is the knowledge and social hub that is inspirational, fun and encourages social interaction," he stated.

Sobhi Batterjee, the chairman of the GBS, pointed out that the design by Benoy evokes the open character of the faculty and supports gender and culture equality with no hierarchy or physical boundaries.

"The school has brought the world’s top universities to the door steps of the Kingdom and is making a contribution towards Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia," he added.

Situated in Jeddah, the project evokes Benoy’s dedication to create places that will inspire the users and have a positive impact on the wider community and environment.

According to Laudencka-Sobik, the GBS will demonstrate the evolution of education – how it is provided, how it can empower the new generation of Saudi citizens and how it is transforming in line with new thinking of the global technology shifts.

"Our client is committed to furthering the aspirations of the new generation, and we are honoured to be part of this transformation – to create a business school where the art of finances, technology and creative industries interact to inspire the future leaders of our time," stated the company director.

Barry Hughes, the global design director at Benoy, said: "The GBS seeks to create a vibrant and dynamic environment which encourages learning in the digital age. As the first phase of a new Center for Excellence, the building reflects the institutions’ goal of creating an iconic building – one that reflects its values and aspirations as a center for advanced and innovative education."

With regional design studios in Dubai and Bahrain, Benoy has several highly lauded developments and mega projects in their regional portfolio, including the masterplan for Yas Island and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai’s City Walk and The Beach.

Benoy is also designing the masterplan for the new terminal at Bahrain Airport. The ambitions expansion project will transform Bahrain Airport into a modern, state-of-the-art airport with world-class facilities and amenities capable of accommodating 14 million passengers per year.-TradeArabia News Service